“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another” – G.K. Chesterton.
Islamabad is home to some of Pakistan’s most respected and fast-growing universities, known for strong academics, modern campuses, and wide-ranging degree programs. From research-focused public institutions to highly competitive private universities, the capital offers excellent options for students in fields like engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, and information technology. Choosing the best university in Islamabad depends on factors such as program quality, faculty expertise, campus facilities, and career opportunities but overall, the city provides a learning environment that is both academically rich and professionally promising. Islamabad is more than a peaceful hub for national and international visitors, tourists, residents, and potential investors.
Universities in Islamabad
The best Universities in Islamabad are part of this heavenly capital city, which is the 9th biggest city in Pakistan. The city is the fourth-most populated city, with an approximate population of 3.1 million. Islamabad is recognized and preferred as a livable city due to its plant life, security, and better lifestyle. There are about 32 universities altogether, offering around 681 study programs. The most popular degree programs offered in the best universities of Islamabad are economics, business, management IT, engineering, computer sciences, and many more.
The capital city and its heavenly central part, including the Blue Area Islamabad, are well-built according to world-class standards. Islamabad, a developed city, has best universities offering international-standard higher education. Hence, the capital city is more than its natural picturesque surroundings and environment. Islamabad is the hub of the country’s future educational institutes.
Let us study the different universities established near the vibrant natural capital city of Islamabad.
Best Universities in Islamabad
The best universities in Islamabad offer top-class curricula, diverse academic programs, and outstanding research opportunities, and are committed to providing students with an excellent education. The best universities foster growth, opportunities, and promising future careers. Some of the best universities in Islamabad are as follows.
University Name | Location | Contact | Sector |
NUST | National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) Campus, Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan | 051-111-11-6878 | Semi-Government |
COMSATS | Hostel City, M524+PJP Line 12, Park Rd, Islamabad, 45550 | 051-9247000 | Government |
Quaid-e-Azam | Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad Capital Territory 15320 | 051-90644050 | Government |
CUST | Islamabad Expressway, Kahuta Road Zone-V Sihala, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory | 051-111-555-666 | Private |
Foundation University | Foundation University Islamabad, Defence Avenue, DHA Phase-I, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan | 051-111-384-111 | Private |
Bahria University | Shangrilla Rd, E-8/1 E 8/1 E-8, Islamabad | (051) 9260002 | Semi-government/ Pakistan Navy |
Air University | Service Road E-9 / E-8, Islamabad | (051) 9262557 | Semi- government/Pakistan Air Force |
NUML | Khayaban-e-Johar, H 9/4, Islamabad | (051) 9265100 | Semi-government |
PIEAS | Lehtrar Rd, Nilore, Islamabad | 051-111-174-327 | Federal public universit/ Pakistan Atomic Energy |
IST | Institute of Space Technology, 1, Islamabad Highway, Near RAWAT Toll Plaza, Islamabad | 051-9075100 | Government |
The International Islamic University | H10, Islamabad | 051-9019927 | Government |
NDU | P2CC+GR8, E-9/3 E-9, Islamabad | 051-92620668 | Military/Public |
Iqra University | PIES Complex, No.6 Park Road, Tarlai Kalan, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad | 051-2321101 | Private |
Private Best Universities in Islamabad
Private universities in Islamabad play an important role in delivering high-quality higher education with modern facilities and industry-relevant programs. These institutions attract students from across Pakistan and abroad due to their strong academic standards, diverse degree offerings, and focus on professional development.
| University | Full Name | Location | Background / Founder | Programs / Disciplines Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUST | Capital University of Science & Technology (CUST) | Outskirts of Islamabad | Previously known as MAJU; project of Punjab Group of Colleges | Business, Engineering, Pharmacy |
| Foundation University | Foundation University Islamabad (FUI) | Islamabad | Emerging private university | Arts, Engineering, IT, Social Sciences, Business (UG, PG, PhD); Medical programs |
| Iqra University | Iqra University | Islamabad | Founded by Hunaid Lakhani | Film, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Associate Degrees (UG, PG, PhD) |
| Riphah International University | Riphah International University | Islamabad | Private sector university | Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, Computing |
| FAST | National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES) | Islamabad | Well-known private university | Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business |
| Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University | Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU) | Islamabad | Linked with Shifa International Hospital | Medicine (MBBS), Nursing, Health Sciences, Management Sciences |
| SZABIST | Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) | Islamabad | Private university with multiple campuses | Business Administration, Management Sciences, Computing, Social Sciences |
Top 10 Best Universities in Islamabad
Islamabad is home to some of Pakistan’s top-ranked universities, offering a strong mix of academic excellence, research opportunities, and modern campus facilities. The top universities in the capital include both public and private institutions known for their strengths in engineering, medicine, business, computer science, and social sciences.
- Qaid-e Azam University Islamabad: This university covers an area of almost 1700 acres on the foothills of Margalla. It is ranked as the highest-ranked public university in Pakistan.
- NUST: This universitry especially famous for Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Research. Its main campus is located in Sector H-12, Islamabad, and it is considered one of the most modern and well-developed campuses in the country.
- COMSAT: The university has campuses in Islamabad, Abbottabad, Wah, Lahore, Attock, Sahiwal, and Vehari. It has 2600 plus faculty bases altogether.
- NUML: This university has city campuses, including Quetta, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Lahore, and Gwadar.
- FAST University, Islamabad: It has campuses in cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Faisalabad.
- PIEAS: This university has campuses in Faisalabad, Karachi, and Islamabad. It was founded in 1967 as a small training school and upgraded to a degree-awarding institute in 2000.
- IST: This university’s campus is located at Toll Plaza, Islamabad Highway, near Rawat, Sector H DHA Phase II, Islamabad. It covers a total area of 73 acres on the outskirts of Islamabad.
- Foundation University, Islamabad: This university has campuses in Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Islamabad. It is rated in the W4 category and is located on Defense Avenue, DHA Phase-I, Islamabad.
- Bahria University, Islamabad: This university has campuses in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. It has taken a short time to become one of the top universities.
- IIUI (International Islamic University Islamabad): IIUI is a well-known public sector university, famous for Islamic Studies, Shariah & Law, Arabic, Social Sciences, and Management sciences. It has two main campuses: the Old Campus in Sector G-7/4 and the New Campus in Sector H-10, Islamabad. IIUI is recognized for its national and international student community and provides education in both modern and Islamic disciplines.
- Air University, Islamabad: It is listed amongst the top 10 best universities in Islamabad and is located at the corner of Sector E-9.
Cheap Universities in Islamabad
| # | University | Type | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) | Public | Affordable |
| 2 | International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) | Public | Affordable |
| 3 | National University of Modern Languages (NUML) | Public | Affordable |
| 4 | Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) – Islamabad | Public | Affordable |
| 5 | Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) | Public (Distance) | Affordable |
| 6 | National Defence University (NDU) | Public | Affordable (limited programs) |
| 7 | Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) | Public | Affordable (mainly social sciences) |
| 8 | Riphah International University (Islamabad) | Private | Affordable |
| 9 | Iqra University (Islamabad Campus) | Private | Affordable |
| 10 | Bahria University (Islamabad) | Private | Affordable (depends on program) |
| 11 | Preston University (Islamabad) | Private | Affordable |
| 12 | IIUI-affiliated / Islamic education options | Semi-Public/Private | Affordable (varies) |
Government Best Universities in Islamabad
Government universities in Islamabad are widely recognized for their academic excellence, strong research culture, and affordable education. Funded and regulated by the public sector, these institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. With lower tuition fees compared to private universities and a strong reputation nationwide, government universities in Islamabad remain a top choice for students seeking quality education and credible degrees. The list of the best government universities in Islamabad is shared below.
| University Name | Established | Website | Key Program |
| Allama Iqbal Open University | 1974 | https://www.aiou.edu.pk/ | Education, Business Administration, IT |
| Bahria University (Islamabad Campus) | 2004 | https://bahria.edu.pk/buic/ | Engineering, Business Administration, Law, Computer Science |
| COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) | 1998 | https://www.comsats.edu.pk/ | Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Sciences |
| National University of Modern Languages (NUML) | 1960 | https://www.numl.edu.pk/ | Languages, Translation, International Relations, Media Studies |
| Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) | 1955 | https://pide.org.pk/ | Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences |
| Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 1966 | http://www.pieas.edu.pk/ | Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry |
| Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) | 1967 | https://qau.edu.pk/ | Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering |
| Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) | 1995 | https://szabist-isb.edu.pk/ | Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Media Studies |
| The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) | 2002 | https://fuuast.edu.pk/ | Urdu Language, Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering |
Best Universities in Islamabad
The Best University in Islamabad offers the most significant courses that develop students’ intellectual abilities and increase the Public’s literacy rate. Some of the interesting facts that need to be illuminated are mentioned below.
- In Islamabad, there are 16 recognized universities available to complete the education.
- The population of Islamabad is 98% literate compared to other provinces of Pakistan.
- Islamabad has the most renowned universities in the entire country.
- In Islamabad, there is Allama Iqbal Open University, which is the world’s 2nd largest general university.
Universities in Rawalpindi Islamabad
If you want to learn more about universities in Rawalpindi, read the blog. Rawalpindi is well-known for being the twin city of Islamabad, the capital. Rawalpindi is adjacent to Islamabad. The list of recognized universities established in the Twin Cities is listed below.
- Rawalpindi Medical University is a public university established exclusively for women’s education. It offers a wide range of women’s programs in different fields. The environment is safe, sound, and supportive of women pursuing education.
- Virtual University Campus Rawalpindi: This public university was established in 2002. It offers educational programs in Computer Science, business, and many more.
- Fatima Jinnah Women’s University: This university was established in 1998 as Pakistan’s first women’s university. It has an amazing campus with lush green lawns and historical buildings. Courses offered in various fields include management sciences, engineering, arts, humanities, and social sciences. It is ranked amongst the top universities in Pakistan and represents the country on international platforms.
- Barani Institute of Information Technology: This private university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computer sciences, IT, and Software Engineering. The campus is articulated with a high-quality modern structure.
- Army Medical College, Rawalpindi: The Pak Army manages this university. It is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in allied health sciences and medicine. This university has a well-built campus for clinical training.
- HITEC University is a private university in Taxila city, around 25 km from Rawalpindi. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in Computer Sciences, Management Sciences, and Humanities. The university focuses on research and innovation in its educational courses.
- National University of Medical Sciences: This is a public medical university that offers programs in medicine, allied health sciences, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy. It is affiliated with prestigious hospitals and health organizations in the kingdom.
- National College of Arts: This public university, established in 1875, offers graduate and undergraduate courses in fine art, architecture, film, television, textile design, and interior design. This university has produced numerous talented architects, interior designers, and artists.
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agricultural University: This is a public university (PMAS-AAUR). It was established as a college in 1979. Later, it was upgraded to university status in 1994. It has a beautiful location on Shamsabad Murree Road. The campus features farmland, scenic views, botanical gardens, and orchards. It offers undergraduate, doctoral, and postgraduate programs in agriculture, veterinary, food, forestry, sciences, computer sciences, and many more.
- Mohammad Ali Jinnah University: This is a private university established by 1998. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in fields including Computer Science, Engineering, and Business.
- NUST College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering: This college is famous for its embedded industry links and focused research. It is a public engineering school that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering.
You will find a diverse range of Universities in Rawalpindi. Public and private universities also offer programs in numerous fields. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) oversees universities’ curricula and overall performance. All these mentioned universities provide quality education and highly qualified faculty.
Conclusion
Choosing the best universities in Islamabad depends on both quality and affordability. Islamabad has several well-reputed public and private institutions that provide excellent education at reasonable fees. Universities like QAU, IIUI, NUML, and AIOU are among the most affordable options, while some private universities also offer budget-friendly programs. Overall, students can easily find the best universities in Islamabad that match their academic goals and financial needs.
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